Estimating Countertop Prices for Dummies - The Freelance Files MMCCXLV

Sink cutouts in quartz countertops

We vaguely remember a college professor – it might have been in English Composition 101 – who opined that when someone responds to a query by saying, "That's a good question..." you aren't likely to get a good answer. That was, however, before people started verbing nouns and littering their language with "biz-speak." Whatever the case, we are firmly of the belief that when one is asked a question, one should a) give the best answer possible or b) admit to ignorance. Sadly, neither is the custom of some freelancers; especially those who are paid to "answer" questions for content farms. Take, for example, Leaf Group cleanup team member Rachelle Dragani and her attempt to tell people "How to Estimate the Cost of Quartz Countertops" for Hunker.com.

What information would you need to perform the estimation process? It's pretty straightforward: you need to know the measurements of the counter space in square feet; the size and location of any holes that will need to be fabricated and/or cut into the counter for sinks, cooktops, faucets, and the like; the desired edge profile (including exposed ends); the desired thickness; and whether or not to include a backsplash. The simplest method is to sketch a rough plan of the countertop with all the dimensions labeled and calculate the square footage of quartz before any holes are cut.

With that information in, you can visit the website of a supplier and enter the shape and cutting information. Most suppliers have a calculator that will allow you to build an estimate for different countertop products, thicknesses, and edge profiles based on the combination of specifications and measurements.

Be forewarned: except for the simplest of slabs, quartz countertops are best measured, fabricated, and installed by professionals. For instance, assembling two slabs at a corner or other seam requires special tools.

Dragani, charged with updating a decade-old eHow.com post by Rob Callahan, decided that what the internet seeker who asked "how to estimate..." really wanted to know was... "all about quartz countertops." To that end, Rachelle pumped out almost 1200 words of content apparently reworded from advertising brochures and decorating blogs. Instead of Callahan's dry, but (more or less) accurate, instructions for measuring spaces and calculating an estimate based on cost per square foot; Dragani rattled off loads of content with subheadings like "Quartz Pricing vs. Other Options", "Is Quartz for Me?" and "Costs to Consider." She included in the latter section "Type of Quartz," "Quality," "Supply," and "Installation."

When it came to what can certainly be considered the core question of her assignment, the estimate itself, Dragani punted. Here's some of what she had to say in the section she titled "Estimating Quartz Countertop Prices":

"...many online home improvement retailers offer a calculator that can help give you a ballpark estimate of how much it might be to add quartz countertops to your home... With a simple measurement of your countertops, you can enter your information and compare estimates for the job."

In our humble opinion, our Dumbass of the Day failed miserably in her assignment. Some, although not all, of the information necessary to use a vendor's estimator could be found with a tedious search, buried in her 1000-plus words of verbiage; but for someone who wants an actual answer to the "how to estimate..." question, the original by Callahan was far more helpful.

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